Derrick A Paulo
derrick@newstoday.com.sg

THE Government may be convinced of the opportunities that come with the rise of China and India, but there were some doubting Thomases at the Pre-University Seminar 2005 yesterday.
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In a question-and-answer session with Second Minister for Finance and Foreign Affairs Raymond Lim, the keynote speaker for the seminar, three students stood up to counter the success stories of Singapore companies in the two countries cited by Mr Lim.
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Backing up their points with theory and lessons from history, the students questioned the prospects of the world's two biggest countries.
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"If we as Singaporeans want to adopt a paradigm shift … why are we rushing to China when everyone is heading there? As we know, China is communist and communism is an ideal that exists only in utopia," said Meridian Junior College student Jeremy Lua.
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One student from Jurong JC pointed to the development divide between the rural and urban areas in the two countries to warn about the possibility of social unrest, which "history has shown us, as was seen in the French revolution".
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"Why does Singapore think these countries are viable?" he asked, while another student wondered if Singapore has "missed the bandwagon" because the two markets have become "too saturated".
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In response, Mr Lim said that while there is no certainty in life, Singapore's strategy is to ensure that it has a globalised economy.
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Describing China and India as being in the take off phase, he added: "The more inefficient the system, the greater the opportunities for you to be able to make a difference. And the higher the risk … the higher the rewards."
.
Making the most of opportunities was a key message in his speech to the 540 students from the 18 JCs and Centralised Institute at the Nanyang Technological University. With "New Engagements, New Opportunities" set as the theme for this year's seminar — taking its cue from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Rally speech last August — Mr Lim borrowed the business concept of the "Blue Ocean" to urge the students on. The Blue Ocean strategy is to envision and create new markets as opposed to the Red Ocean approach of competing in existing markets. About half the 20 students who posed questions to Mr Lim focussed on the economic concerns facing Singapore, with one student from Serangoon JC, Tracy Tang, wondering whether it would pose a danger to Singapore's competitiveness to have its citizens freely pursue their passions. Echoing some other students' sentiments for the need for diversity, Mr Lim said passion made people more effective and that all Singaporeans could contribute and help the nation grow.
.
His suggestion for how the youth can make a difference? To blaze a trail, accept diversity, celebrate their heroes and care for their fellow citizens.
Students question Minister Raymond Lim at seminar

Derrick A Paulo
derrick@newstoday.com.sg

THE Government may be convinced of the opportunities that come with the rise of China and India, but there were some doubting Thomases at the Pre-University Seminar 2005 yesterday.
.
In a question-and-answer session with Second Minister for Finance and Foreign Affairs Raymond Lim, the keynote speaker for the seminar, three students stood up to counter the success stories of Singapore companies in the two countries cited by Mr Lim.
.
Backing up their points with theory and lessons from history, the students questioned the prospects of the world's two biggest countries.
.
"If we as Singaporeans want to adopt a paradigm shift … why are we rushing to China when everyone is heading there? As we know, China is communist and communism is an ideal that exists only in utopia," said Meridian Junior College student Jeremy Lua.
.
One student from Jurong JC pointed to the development divide between the rural and urban areas in the two countries to warn about the possibility of social unrest, which "history has shown us, as was seen in the French revolution".
.
"Why does Singapore think these countries are viable?" he asked, while another student wondered if Singapore has "missed the bandwagon" because the two markets have become "too saturated".
.
In response, Mr Lim said that while there is no certainty in life, Singapore's strategy is to ensure that it has a globalised economy.
.
Describing China and India as being in the take off phase, he added: "The more inefficient the system, the greater the opportunities for you to be able to make a difference. And the higher the risk … the higher the rewards."
.
Making the most of opportunities was a key message in his speech to the 540 students from the 18 JCs and Centralised Institute at the Nanyang Technological University. With "New Engagements, New Opportunities" set as the theme for this year's seminar — taking its cue from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Rally speech last August — Mr Lim borrowed the business concept of the "Blue Ocean" to urge the students on. The Blue Ocean strategy is to envision and create new markets as opposed to the Red Ocean approach of competing in existing markets. About half the 20 students who posed questions to Mr Lim focussed on the economic concerns facing Singapore, with one student from Serangoon JC, Tracy Tang, wondering whether it would pose a danger to Singapore's competitiveness to have its citizens freely pursue their passions. Echoing some other students' sentiments for the need for diversity, Mr Lim said passion made people more effective and that all Singaporeans could contribute and help the nation grow.
.
His suggestion for how the youth can make a difference? To blaze a trail, accept diversity, celebrate their heroes and care for their fellow citizens.
Students question Minister Raymond Lim at seminar

Derrick A Paulo
derrick@newstoday.com.sg

THE Government may be convinced of the opportunities that come with the rise of China and India, but there were some doubting Thomases at the Pre-University Seminar 2005 yesterday.
.
In a question-and-answer session with Second Minister for Finance and Foreign Affairs Raymond Lim, the keynote speaker for the seminar, three students stood up to counter the success stories of Singapore companies in the two countries cited by Mr Lim.
.
Backing up their points with theory and lessons from history, the students questioned the prospects of the world's two biggest countries.
.
"If we as Singaporeans want to adopt a paradigm shift … why are we rushing to China when everyone is heading there? As we know, China is communist and communism is an ideal that exists only in utopia," said Meridian Junior College student Jeremy Lua.
.
One student from Jurong JC pointed to the development divide between the rural and urban areas in the two countries to warn about the possibility of social unrest, which "history has shown us, as was seen in the French revolution".
.
"Why does Singapore think these countries are viable?" he asked, while another student wondered if Singapore has "missed the bandwagon" because the two markets have become "too saturated".
.
In response, Mr Lim said that while there is no certainty in life, Singapore's strategy is to ensure that it has a globalised economy.
.
Describing China and India as being in the take off phase, he added: "The more inefficient the system, the greater the opportunities for you to be able to make a difference. And the higher the risk … the higher the rewards."
.
Making the most of opportunities was a key message in his speech to the 540 students from the 18 JCs and Centralised Institute at the Nanyang Technological University. With "New Engagements, New Opportunities" set as the theme for this year's seminar — taking its cue from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Rally speech last August — Mr Lim borrowed the business concept of the "Blue Ocean" to urge the students on. The Blue Ocean strategy is to envision and create new markets as opposed to the Red Ocean approach of competing in existing markets. About half the 20 students who posed questions to Mr Lim focussed on the economic concerns facing Singapore, with one student from Serangoon JC, Tracy Tang, wondering whether it would pose a danger to Singapore's competitiveness to have its citizens freely pursue their passions. Echoing some other students' sentiments for the need for diversity, Mr Lim said passion made people more effective and that all Singaporeans could contribute and help the nation grow.
.
His suggestion for how the youth can make a difference? To blaze a trail, accept diversity, celebrate their heroes and care for their fellow citizens.